Mary Shirley Keitz

Our mother, Mary Shirley Uvodich Keitz, graced the lives of her parents Frank and Marie Uvodich, on September 19, 1924 in Oakland, California. Born the second child of four, Mary had one older sister Pauline, one younger sister Dorothy, and one younger brother Jack.

Mom spent her childhood in Tucson, Arizona. Then as a young woman, she struck out on her own to live and work in Los Angeles California.
While assisting her sister in Louisiana, she met a handsome young Air Force pilot who engaged her in a delightful game of cat and mouse. After a period of courtship, mom agreed to wed our lovable father, Robert F. Keitz. They tied the knot on September 1, 1951 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The life of an Air Force wife was one of adventure calling for only the most spirited and fearless women this world has to offer. With God by her side, our mother set off to travel the world as a devoted wife and soon to be caring mother.

Mama gave all she had to give selflessly and faithfully. She was a loyal wife and constant companion. After one short year of being man and wife, our parents decided to begin their family. All together she would mother two beautiful daughters, Suzan and Celeste, and two intelligent sons, Michael and Paul. Raising children was no easy task but our mother spent endless hours nurturing us with tender love and sacrifice, guiding us to become the successful adults we are today.

Even though she was self-taught, she was skilled in many areas. She was an excellent seamstress, a patient teacher, a wonderful cook, gardener, artist, avid reader, and created what would be a hectic household into a loving spiritual home.

After 34 years in Salinas, California and the death of our beloved father, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be near to her caring daughters.


Mary went home to heaven on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. of natural causes. Mom has been given a new perfect body and is once again able to leap for joy in the presence of God. Our family rejoices to know our mother is in heaven with Jesus. She is kicking up her heals with all her family and friends who have gone before her. What a homecoming!

She is survived by her daughters Suzan Dennis and Celeste Blackwell of Tulsa, Ok.; her sons, Michael Keitz of Madera, Ca. and Paul Keitz of Redwood City, Ca.; her brother Jack Uvodich of Shingle Springs, Ca.; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Our mother wanted to be remembered for the zeal and love she had for the Lord Jesus. Mom was truly Christ’s ambassador. Those who knew her understood that “for her to live was Christ.” She shared her love for Jesus with everyone. Mom was a spiritual teacher for many young believers in Christ. She was generous, loving, supportive, and a never ending intercessor.
You will always remain in our hearts as Mother, Mama, Mama Dear, Mom, Madre, Nana, Grandma, G-ma, G.G.-ma, Energizer Bunny, Cactus Flower, Daisy, Maudeuch, and most faithful servant.